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Update: Adopted teen found dead in home blaze
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| The house in Byfleet Road |
The teen found dead after a fire in Cobham last night has been named locally as 18-year-old Thoeun Sergeant.
Four homes were damaged by the blaze that started in Byfleet Road shortly before midnight.
Police closed the road and evacuated residents from surrounding homes while Surrey Fire and Rescue crews battled the fire.
Thoeun, was living in the house with his adoptive mum Ingrid Morris, after arriving in Britain from Cambodia.
Neighbours said Mrs Morris, a widow whose husband died last year from cancer, had raised the alarm after hearing a noise coming from Thoeun's room upstairs in the house.
She pushed open his bedroom door but was forced back by the flames.
Neighbours said a hysterical Mrs Morris had looked on as firefighters tackled the blaze.
Neighbour Judith Abletshauser, 68, said: "He was absolutely lovely, very polite and very quiet.
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| Firefighters investigating the cause of the blaze |
"He was studying for his A-levels. Only last week I saw him playing with toddlers from next door.
"Ingrid will be absolutely devastated. She only lost her husband to cancer last year."
A Surrey Police spokesman said investigators had found a dead body in one of the rooms of the house earlier this morning.
Thoeun is yet to be formally identified and police and fire investigators remain on the scene.
The roof and first floors of two of the homes were badly damaged with minor damage to two next door properties.
Byfleet Road reopened about 6am.
8:00am Monday 28th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Chloe, Sutton at the minute on 2:01pm Mon 28 Apr 08
So sad, my thoughts are with the lads mother..
So sad, my thoughts are with the lads mother..
Posted by: -, Esher on 8:59pm Mon 28 Apr 08
RIP, Thoeun.
I had known him for about 4 years, since he had been at school in Esher.
This is so sad, he will be missed
RIP xxx
RIP, Thoeun.
I had known him for about 4 years, since he had been at school in Esher.
This is so sad, he will be missed
RIP xxx
Posted by: - on 9:01pm Mon 28 Apr 08
I cannot believe this has happened I am in complete shock Thoeun was in my college and went to my old school he was so lovely I can't believe this disaster has happened I am so sorry for his family, Thoeun you won't be forgotten, RIP
xxx
I cannot believe this has happened I am in complete shock Thoeun was in my college and went to my old school he was so lovely I can't believe this disaster has happened I am so sorry for his family, Thoeun you won't be forgotten, RIP
xxx
Posted by: Daniel Lampard, Hersham on 9:41pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Im **** speechless, RIP Thouen. Part of me still thinks is all a big **** joke, someone tell me it is...
Im **** speechless, RIP Thouen. Part of me still thinks is all a big **** joke, someone tell me it is...
Posted by: Milli, London on 10:32pm Mon 28 Apr 08
I can't believe it and I wish we could do something to bring you back Thoeun. RIP, we will always miss you ****
I can't believe it and I wish we could do something to bring you back Thoeun. RIP, we will always miss you ****
Posted by: adam warner on 11:00pm Mon 28 Apr 08
An absoloute shock to me. Thoeun is well missed by everybody and i think everyone would agree that he totally did not deseve it. R.I.P Thoeun. Our thoughts are with you. x
An absoloute shock to me. Thoeun is well missed by everybody and i think everyone would agree that he totally did not deseve it. R.I.P Thoeun. Our thoughts are with you. x
Posted by: Erez Agami, Hersham, Surrey on 11:26pm Mon 28 Apr 08
I can't believe it. I've known him since our old school...RIP Thoeun, you will be sorely missed. x
I can't believe it. I've known him since our old school...RIP Thoeun, you will be sorely missed. x
Posted by: danni, molesey on 11:46pm Mon 28 Apr 08
omg i cnt believe it. i no i didnt make much of a effort at skool to get to no u better but i did make u smile a few times in english :) you were a great person. and i no u will be missed very much.[italic]italic[/italic] [bold]bold[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic]
omg i cnt believe it. i no i didnt make much of a effort at skool to get to no u better but i did make u smile a few times in english :) you were a great person. and i no u will be missed very much.
Posted by: Sam Cameron, Molesey on 11:50pm Mon 28 Apr 08
R.I.P Thouen Will be missed dearly we wernt best mates but we got along. atleast your in a better place with no evil. RIP [italic][italic]italic[/italic] [bold][bold]bold[/bold] [/bold] [/italic]
R.I.P Thouen Will be missed dearly we wernt best mates but we got along. atleast your in a better place with no evil. RIP
Posted by: Dan, Wimbledon on 12:04am Tue 29 Apr 08
Thouen, never got a chance to know you better. but i will always remember you like the last time i saw you; having a swordfight in clapham at 4am while you were dressed as zorro. god bless my friend. wherever you are, i hope you can see how much you were loved
Thouen, never got a chance to know you better. but i will always remember you like the last time i saw you; having a swordfight in clapham at 4am while you were dressed as zorro. god bless my friend. wherever you are, i hope you can see how much you were loved
Posted by: Dan, Teddington on 12:33am Tue 29 Apr 08
Thoeun man
only last week were i started to properly talk to you on the sofas with Louise jumping around and stuff.
you were and will [bold]always[/bold] be an amazing guy, dont forget it.
Rest well. <3
Thoeun man
only last week were i started to properly talk to you on the sofas with Louise jumping around and stuff.
you were and will
always be an amazing guy, dont forget it.
Rest well. <3
Posted by: anon on 1:20am Tue 29 Apr 08
I've known Thoeun for 5 years, and all I can say is he will be extremely missed. My heart goes out to all his loved ones and close friends and I wish them the best in the dreadful time.
May he rest in peace.
I've known Thoeun for 5 years, and all I can say is he will be extremely missed. My heart goes out to all his loved ones and close friends and I wish them the best in the dreadful time.
May he rest in peace.
Posted by: The Jacobs Family, Sydney, Australia on 1:40am Tue 29 Apr 08
This is impossible to believe. We are shocked to hear about Thoeun's tragic death. Our son Daniel knew Thoeun here in Sydney at Neutral Bay Primary School and we all have fond memories of Thoeun playing soccer, doing music and being a lovely friend to Dan. Oh dear, we will miss you Thoeun. Our hearts are with Ingrid in this difficult time. Kristiina, Graham and Daniel.
This is impossible to believe. We are shocked to hear about Thoeun's tragic death. Our son Daniel knew Thoeun here in Sydney at Neutral Bay Primary School and we all have fond memories of Thoeun playing soccer, doing music and being a lovely friend to Dan. Oh dear, we will miss you Thoeun. Our hearts are with Ingrid in this difficult time. Kristiina, Graham and Daniel.
Posted by: Michael Redington, Esher on 9:07am Tue 29 Apr 08
RIP Thoeun Sergeant
We Will miss you all !
RIP Thoeun Sergeant
We Will miss you all !
Posted by: Jake + Becky, Esher on 9:09am Tue 29 Apr 08
Thoeun we'll miss you so much. Our thoughts are with your family and we will never forget you. We can't believe you're gone. x
Thoeun we'll miss you so much. Our thoughts are with your family and we will never forget you. We can't believe you're gone. x
Posted by: Matt Hinton, Cobham on 11:09am Tue 29 Apr 08
i only knew Thoeun for about two years, and enjoyed his company in our IT lessons, i cannot believe he is gone and he will be missed greatly, he didnt deserve this, he was a great person. RIP mate
i only knew Thoeun for about two years, and enjoyed his company in our IT lessons, i cannot believe he is gone and he will be missed greatly, he didnt deserve this, he was a great person. RIP mate
Posted by: Luan on 11:23am Tue 29 Apr 08
I'll miss you Thoeun
Rest in Peace
I'll miss you Thoeun
Rest in Peace
Posted by: Nick Trueman, Cobham on 12:23pm Tue 29 Apr 08
Thoeun was such a good friend! Always made me laugh in and out of school. My parents and myself can't believe whats happened, we will be hinking of him for a long long time. RIP mate, you were awesome!
Thoeun was such a good friend! Always made me laugh in and out of school. My parents and myself can't believe whats happened, we will be hinking of him for a long long time. RIP mate, you were awesome!
Posted by: anon, West Molesey on 4:38pm Tue 29 Apr 08
No matter what, Thoeun [bold]always[/bold] had a smile on his face. And was [bold]always[/bold] there to offer a helping hand to others. RIP x
No matter what, Thoeun
always had a smile on his face. And was
always there to offer a helping hand to others. RIP x
Posted by: Sophie Barton, Surbiton on 5:58pm Tue 29 Apr 08
Cannot believe Thoeun's gone he was such a lovely guy. My thoughts are with his family and girlfriend. Rest in peace, Thoeun: you will be sadly missed by everyone xXx
Cannot believe Thoeun's gone he was such a lovely guy. My thoughts are with his family and girlfriend. Rest in peace, Thoeun: you will be sadly missed by everyone xXx
Posted by: carla, london on 6:13pm Tue 29 Apr 08
You will be truly missed by everyone. I'm still in an utter state of shock. I hope you are in a nicer place than here. Rest In Peace xxx
You will be truly missed by everyone. I'm still in an utter state of shock. I hope you are in a nicer place than here. Rest In Peace xxx
Posted by: - on 6:37pm Tue 29 Apr 08
Even though I did not know you very well I always saw u around college and I spoke to you a few times, I could tell you were a great guy and you will be sorely missed by many. You had your whole future right in front of you, and i hope you are very happy where you are right now. rest in peace Thoeun xxx
Even though I did not know you very well I always saw u around college and I spoke to you a few times, I could tell you were a great guy and you will be sorely missed by many. You had your whole future right in front of you, and i hope you are very happy where you are right now. rest in peace Thoeun xxx
Posted by: sally, London on 8:04pm Tue 29 Apr 08
R.I.P Thoeun
Everyone is missing you so much. Its hard to believe you're gone.
My thoughts are with your friends, family and your lovely girlfriend. x
R.I.P Thoeun
Everyone is missing you so much. Its hard to believe you're gone.
My thoughts are with your friends, family and your lovely girlfriend. x
Posted by: Tiffany on 9:04pm Tue 29 Apr 08
I remember you getting on my school bus, and then went you went to college, seeing you every day on the public busses. I'm going to miss seeing you. You were such an awesome guy.
xxx
I remember you getting on my school bus, and then went you went to college, seeing you every day on the public busses. I'm going to miss seeing you. You were such an awesome guy.
xxx
Posted by: ., esher on 11:14pm Tue 29 Apr 08
I still can't believe it's really happened. I'll miss you in music lessons... it won't be the same without you. Rest in peace... hope you're in a good place now. Rest in peace. x
I still can't believe it's really happened. I'll miss you in music lessons... it won't be the same without you. Rest in peace... hope you're in a good place now. Rest in peace. x
Posted by: Carl Dixon on Wed 30 Apr 08
It will never truly sink in :(
R.I.P. you will not be forgotten
It will never truly sink in :(
R.I.P. you will not be forgotten
Posted by: Linda Tremley, Connecticut, USA on 12:18am Wed 30 Apr 08
As a cousin to Ingrid, I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic events. My whole family sends its love.
Linda, Gary, Jen, Matt and Kimberly
As a cousin to Ingrid, I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic events. My whole family sends its love.
Linda, Gary, Jen, Matt and Kimberly
Posted by: Elainee, Sydney - Australia on 12:20am Wed 30 Apr 08
We are so saddened by this tragic news - Only on Sunday Tommy was talking about visiting Thoeun after his HSC exams and I haven't had the heart to tell him this shocking news today being his 18th Birthday, same age as Thoeun. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ingrid. Elaine, Mario and Tommy
We are so saddened by this tragic news - Only on Sunday Tommy was talking about visiting Thoeun after his HSC exams and I haven't had the heart to tell him this shocking news today being his 18th Birthday, same age as Thoeun. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ingrid. Elaine, Mario and Tommy
Posted by: mark laughlin, Sydney Australia on 12:06pm Wed 30 Apr 08
what can i say the news just reached us here in australia..... the thought that i was living my life i cant express this as well as i'd like but i knew him all my life and he was the last person on earth this should have happened to.....
what can i say the news just reached us here in australia..... the thought that i was living my life i cant express this as well as i'd like but i knew him all my life and he was the last person on earth this should have happened to.....
Posted by: Rob, Cobham on 2:05pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Thoeun - To such a pleasant and polite young man, you will sadly missed by all of your fellow employees at Inn On The Lake, Silvermere Golf Club - RIP
Thoeun - To such a pleasant and polite young man, you will sadly missed by all of your fellow employees at Inn On The Lake, Silvermere Golf Club - RIP
Posted by: Emily, esher on 2:59pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Only last week we were in tutor, and you were playing the piano. Im sad that I never made the effort to talk to you even though we went to school together for 5 years. My thoughts go to your mum and your girlfriend. RIP Thoeun. X
Only last week we were in tutor, and you were playing the piano. Im sad that I never made the effort to talk to you even though we went to school together for 5 years. My thoughts go to your mum and your girlfriend. RIP Thoeun. X
Posted by: amy, Esher on 4:36pm Wed 30 Apr 08
RIP Thoeun
everyone misses you
xx
RIP Thoeun
everyone misses you
xx
Posted by: alice, walton on 5:16pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Rip Thoeun.
You never knew me, but you went to my school. When i got told i was so upset that it even happened to someone but the thought that it was someone that went to my school was even more devastating. You seemed like a lovely person. My regards go out to your mum, your girlfriend and everyone else that knew you. RIP Thoeun. X
Rip Thoeun.
You never knew me, but you went to my school. When i got told i was so upset that it even happened to someone but the thought that it was someone that went to my school was even more devastating. You seemed like a lovely person. My regards go out to your mum, your girlfriend and everyone else that knew you. RIP Thoeun. X
Posted by: Jade, cobham on 5:24pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Rest in Peace thoeun.. you're going to be so deeply missed by everyone! thoughts are with your family, becky and your closest friends ****
Rest in Peace thoeun.. you're going to be so deeply missed by everyone! thoughts are with your family, becky and your closest friends ****
Posted by: Sammi, Walton on 5:26pm Wed 30 Apr 08
It hasn't sunk in yet. It came as a real shock. To everyone. We only spoke once or twice, but I'm still sad to see you gone. You'll always be in our hearts. Heaven was missing an angel... You're in a better place now. May you rest in peace. And our thoughs and prayers are with your Mum, girlfriend, friends and family. ****
It hasn't sunk in yet. It came as a real shock. To everyone. We only spoke once or twice, but I'm still sad to see you gone. You'll always be in our hearts. Heaven was missing an angel... You're in a better place now. May you rest in peace. And our thoughs and prayers are with your Mum, girlfriend, friends and family. ****
Posted by: Rob Smith, Surbiton, Surrey. on 1:26am Thu 1 May 08
I have just heard his shocking news and I'm totally speechless. I am completely shocked to the core of my being that this appaling tragedy has happened. I have taught Thoeun the piano at the house for just over two years and he was a very talented and sensitive musician. He was a real pleasure to teach and to know and was such a nice boy in every way. It was only last Saturday that I saw him last at the house. My deepest sympathy is with his mother. Ingrid, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time, particularly after the appaling year that you have already been through. If there is ANYTHING I can do then please do contact me as I don't like to call as I'm sure you will find it hard to talk. Thouen will always be remembered fondly by all who knew him. R.I.P. xx
I have just heard his shocking news and I'm totally speechless. I am completely shocked to the core of my being that this appaling tragedy has happened. I have taught Thoeun the piano at the house for just over two years and he was a very talented and sensitive musician. He was a real pleasure to teach and to know and was such a nice boy in every way. It was only last Saturday that I saw him last at the house. My deepest sympathy is with his mother. Ingrid, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time, particularly after the appaling year that you have already been through. If there is ANYTHING I can do then please do contact me as I don't like to call as I'm sure you will find it hard to talk. Thouen will always be remembered fondly by all who knew him. R.I.P. xx
Posted by: Emma-Jane Reeks on 8:39pm Thu 1 May 08
This came to a shock for me known him for five years at esher and he will be gravely missed by all. R.I.P Thoughts go to his adoptive mum
This came to a shock for me known him for five years at esher and he will be gravely missed by all. R.I.P Thoughts go to his adoptive mum
Posted by: Robin & Gwen Nayak, Singapore on 8:16am Fri 2 May 08
Old friends of the Sergeant family, we received the news today and are in total disbelief and shock. We first met Thoeun when he was probably around six, here in Singapore. We will always remember you Thoeun as a delightful young person who brought such joy to all around him and great pride to his parents Karl and Ingrid. Our hearts tear at this saddest of times.
Old friends of the Sergeant family, we received the news today and are in total disbelief and shock. We first met Thoeun when he was probably around six, here in Singapore. We will always remember you Thoeun as a delightful young person who brought such joy to all around him and great pride to his parents Karl and Ingrid. Our hearts tear at this saddest of times.
Posted by: Cindy Rasche, Houston, Texas on 12:56am Sat 3 May 08
Our family met Thoeun and his parents in Singapore. We loved to hear his special knock at our door. He always brought a bright mood and a great sense of fun with him. I met his parents when he and my son went on a rather dangerous adventure in the storm tunnels under our apartment in Singapore. Karl met me at the door with torches and after a search we found them muddy and totally unaware of our concern. We spent a lot of happy hours with Ingrid, Karl and Thoeun. He would come to visit and we'd quickly be playing, surrounded by Legos, staging battles, playing with polymer clay. Thoeun was so clever with computer games, and he and Karl played avidly. Thoeun was a natural swimmer in the pooland he made the world's best lime juice for us. He was a great connoisseur of chocolate and loved to share. Even as a beginner, he played piano with real feeling. Who knows what other gifts he had! We are devastated by this tragedy and feel the world has lost a very bright light. Ingrid and Karl raised him up from a small boy into a fine young man of of great promise. He will be remembered by our family as a very special friend. We send our love to Ingrid, his girlfriend, and all the people around the world who also miss him.
Cindy, Dale and Eric Rasche
Our family met Thoeun and his parents in Singapore. We loved to hear his special knock at our door. He always brought a bright mood and a great sense of fun with him. I met his parents when he and my son went on a rather dangerous adventure in the storm tunnels under our apartment in Singapore. Karl met me at the door with torches and after a search we found them muddy and totally unaware of our concern. We spent a lot of happy hours with Ingrid, Karl and Thoeun. He would come to visit and we'd quickly be playing, surrounded by Legos, staging battles, playing with polymer clay. Thoeun was so clever with computer games, and he and Karl played avidly. Thoeun was a natural swimmer in the pooland he made the world's best lime juice for us. He was a great connoisseur of chocolate and loved to share. Even as a beginner, he played piano with real feeling. Who knows what other gifts he had! We are devastated by this tragedy and feel the world has lost a very bright light. Ingrid and Karl raised him up from a small boy into a fine young man of of great promise. He will be remembered by our family as a very special friend. We send our love to Ingrid, his girlfriend, and all the people around the world who also miss him.
Cindy, Dale and Eric Rasche
Posted by: Gijs, Washington DC on 5:22am Thu 15 May 08
I didn't know Thoeun well but had the privilege to meet him on Sunday April 27th the day of the fire. I spent the day with Hugo and Caroline (Theoun's neighbor) with their newly adopted kids from Singapore and admired how gentle Theoun played with them. I remembered saying to myself how lucky it would be for my friend’s kids to grow up just like Theoun for he seemed like such a nice boy. I only found out 2 days later of the fire and of Theoun's sudden passing and the terrible loss that Ingrid had sustained both that night and over the past year. I have to admit it made me realize how precious life really is and how fast it can be taken away from you. Please wake up and enjoy to the fullest every day of your life. Make changes to your life if you honestly feel that you are not happy! My heart goes out to Ingrid for her terrible loss...may you some how feel the courage to continue to live a positive life Ingrid.
With deepest regrets…... Gijs
I didn't know Thoeun well but had the privilege to meet him on Sunday April 27th the day of the fire. I spent the day with Hugo and Caroline (Theoun's neighbor) with their newly adopted kids from Singapore and admired how gentle Theoun played with them. I remembered saying to myself how lucky it would be for my friend’s kids to grow up just like Theoun for he seemed like such a nice boy. I only found out 2 days later of the fire and of Theoun's sudden passing and the terrible loss that Ingrid had sustained both that night and over the past year. I have to admit it made me realize how precious life really is and how fast it can be taken away from you. Please wake up and enjoy to the fullest every day of your life. Make changes to your life if you honestly feel that you are not happy! My heart goes out to Ingrid for her terrible loss...may you some how feel the courage to continue to live a positive life Ingrid.
With deepest regrets…... Gijs
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